Green Government Challenge

Photo provided by Steven R. Skinner APR

The Virginia Municipal League’s Green Government Challenge is a friendly competition designed to encourage implementation of environmental policies and practical actions to reduce carbon emissions generated by local government and the community.

The challenge has 11 categories and 30 action items. Earning between 100-124 points out of a possible 200 earns certification as a Green Government. Scores of 125 points or higher earn silver, gold and platinum levels of certification. This year’s competition ended Sept. 10.

The city of Richmond first participated and became certified in 2009, won the silver in 2010, and the gold in 2011. This year, the city has been certified platinum. Joe Lerch (left), director of Environmental Policy for the Virginia Municipal League, presented the certification to Council President Kathy Graziano and Mayor Dwight C. Jones at the Dec. 10 City Council meeting.

Approvals for Solar and Vegetative Roofs Streamlined

Richmond City Council approved an ordinance that streamlines the permit review process for solar and vegetative roofs at its Nov. 26 meeting. The paper was co-sponsored by Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Councilmen Chris Hilbert and Charles Samuels.

The purpose of the ordinance is to encourage the use of green roofs by processing building permit applications within 10 business days and associated plumbing, electrical and mechanical permit applications within five business days.

The ordinance is 2012-201-199.

Solar and vegetative roofs result in less electricity used in the building. Vegetative roofs absorb rainfall and decrease the amount of run-off from the building, which supports stormwater management efforts.